Identification guides for soldierflies and allies

A page from the identification guide to soldierflies in genus Sargus

See below for the latest additions: Robberflies (all species), and Horseflies (genus Atylotus).

As far as possible, these guides show features that can be seen on live insects in the field, or are likely to be visible in photographs. They are intended as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, the comprehensive identification keys and species accounts in the ‘soldierflies bible’: British soldierflies and their allies, by Alan Stubbs and Martin Drake, published by BENHS.


Robberflies (Asilidae)

  • NEW: Identification guide to all robberflies (version 2 at 3 September 2024) - covers the 27 species in this family (including Dioctria) - version 2 adds a new photo of the rare species Neoitamus cothurnatus, and a reference to the Field guide to the robberflies of the Netherlands and Belgium (now sadly out of print).
  • Identification guide to robberflies in genus Dioctria (version 2 at 31 August 2024) - slightly revised from the previous version, this guide is for one distinctive genus (also included in the main guide to the whole family)

Bee-flies (Bombyliidae)


Snipeflies (Rhagionidae)


Soldierflies (Stratiomyidae)


Horseflies (Tabanidae)


Awl-flies (Xylophagidae)


The guides are only possible thanks to the generosity of the brilliant photographers who have allowed their images to be used. Special mention must be given to Malcolm Storey (via BioImages) and Steven Falk (via Flickr), whose photo collections form the backbone for most of the species guides. Many other photographers have also contributed images and are acknowledged in the guides.

We would be very interested to receive any feedback on how well these guides work, and suggestions for how to improve them, or offers of additional photos that would fill a gap or add a clear view of a particular identification feature. Please contact Martin Harvey.

Many thanks to the following people for providing photos and/or advice:

  • Ab H Baas
  • Allan Burrows
  • Andrew Green
  • Andy Brown
  • Andy Grayson
  • Arnold Wijker
  • Bj.schoenmakers
  • Chris Sellen
  • Colin le Boutillier
  • David Basham
  • David Gould
  • Dick Belgers
  • Fritz Geller-Grimm
  • Gary Hedges
  • Geir79
  • Geoff Wilkinson
  • Geoffrey Foale
  • George Tordoff
  • Henk Soepenberg
  • Ian Andrews
  • IronChris
  • James Emerson
  • James Fowler
  • Jane Adams
  • Jane Thomas
  • Janet Graham
  • Jeremy Early
  • Jeremy Richardson
  • Jody Robert
  • John Bingham
  • Judy Webb
  • Kate Nightingale
  • Kevin McGee
  • Malcolm Smart
  • Malcolm Storey
  • Marc de Winkel
  • Mark Gurney
  • Martin Cooper
  • Martin Harvey
  • Neil Marks
  • Nigel Jones
  • Paul Brewster
  • Paul Kitchener
  • Peter Andrews
  • Peter Brash
  • Richard Dickson
  • Rob Petley-Jones
  • Rob Wolton
  • Robin Williams
  • Silvie Herault
  • Simon Knott
  • Simon Van Toller
  • Stephen Boulton
  • Steven Falk
  • Stewart Taylor
  • Sue Taylor
  • Sylvie Herault
  • Teresa Frost
  • Tim Hodge
  • Tim Worfolk
  • Tony Davis
  • Will George